Word Always Opens Documents In Read-Only Mode / Subscription

Anonymous
2013-05-03T12:48:28+00:00

I'm working with documents stored on my local drive, and whenever I double-click on one to open and edit it, Word starts up and presents it in read-only mode.  If I close Word and then immediately double-click the document again, it opens up without the read-only indicator.

These are documents which are edited every day.  I'm wondering if the fact that they're stored in a folder which is monitored by a file synchronization application has anything to do with this.

Secondly, when I bought Office 365 Home Premium online, it appeared that my only option was the monthly plan, which ostensibly is more expensive than the yearly plan.  I don't see any way to change my account from monthly to yearly.  Am I missing something?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-22T09:32:01+00:00

    I have the same issue in 2017! Clearly not bee resolved yet. I just make changes and save as another file name then delete the old one. Opening with right click edit works

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-09-18T13:42:54+00:00

    Thanks Doug! This did the trick for me. I think what caused the read only issue with me is the box that said "Enable protected view for files originating from the internet" was checked and all my files are in my OneDrive, which are web based. Saved it and everything is fine.

    Thanks!

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-08-06T00:14:25+00:00

    Not sure about "originally designed" because we had Word 2010 and had NO issues with Read Only.

    For us, this became a problem when we upgraded to Word 2016.

    I have no idea WHEN MS changed Word to require Read Only but I believe it must be a modification added later.

    Some posting I read said it happened to them in an update a few years ago.

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-08-05T23:52:40+00:00

    Thank you, there it is, the sound of the other shoe dropping ...

    Microsoft Support said that ALL word documents attached to emails ALL open in Read Only mode.

    That is the missing piece.

    That is correct. A file attached to an email cannot be opened for editing. PERIOD.

    I'm sorry, there is no "switch" to flip. The way that Outlook was originally designed does not allow for it. That is the way things are. You have to understand this and learn to work with the way things are.

    You have to "detach" or "download" the file from the email to local storage, either your HD (or OneDrive) before you can open it for editing.

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